Can't wake the fuck up

It forces your mouth to open, and in theory increases the chances your airway will stay open, which lets you breathe better as you sleep.

 

That is the idea behind it, yes.

Looks like these:

 

Coincidentally, sleep apnea came up in conversation at work yesterday. One of my colleagues has a kiddo with it, and because the kiddo is so young, they are reluctant to go so far as removing his uvula. Kiddo is getting fitted for an appliance. My mentor shared that he had apnea, and using the CPAP changed his life--he says he's a totally different person when he gets a whole night's sleep. You might consider that the cost of a CPAP or an appliance is likely to be "too much," but I think you ought to also consider the cost in terms of quality of life.

Also, ralphie250, you're a smoker, correct? Smoking makes sleep apnea worse. What might be cheaper than even a CPAP or an appliance is changing your lifestyle. 5 Self-Care Tips for OSAhttp://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/sle
Sleep Apnea-What Increases Your Riskep-apnea-what-increases-your-risk
Sleep apnea: Risk factors - MayoClinic.com

 

There are a lot of people who use a CPAP machine for a while and just quit using it because they can't stand it. Sometimes this happens after their insurance has already paid for it, and it just sits in the closet.
You could try advertising that you want to buy a CPAP on your local craigslist, newspaper, maybe an ad in a seniors publication. I'll bet you can shake one out at a reasonable cost. You should be able to find out online how to program it for the proper pressure.

 

The mold/mildew part especially. Some of those things you wouldn't even see, but could make you very sick.

 

Well of course, checking the cord and plug is something to do with any used (or new, for that matter) corded device, like a radio, blender, TV, or alarm clock.

I did talk to a medical supply place, and they said it was highly unlikely that mold in a used machine would be a factor. According to a tech at Apria Home Health Care Supplies, that CPAP machine is blowing air through that pubing at a speed of up to 60 meters PER SECOND. That's over 130mph. A pissed off yellowjacket couldn't fly through 6 feet of tubing against that wind, never mind a few stray mold spores. A used machine is safe (they sell them) and theirs are usually rental returns. However, mold in the facemask or nosepiece is definitely possible, she cautioned, so you should never use someone else's mask. A new mask and tubing should always be procured for a used CPAP machine.

Monitoring is definitely important. You should talk to your doctor. Also, your doctor probably still has a record of your pressure setting on your chart from when you tried the CPAP several years ago
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ralphie250, if I remember right, you changed jobs not too long ago. Check with the insurance provider for your current job. The coverage may be better. Also, searching on line I see high rated CPAPs for around $400 but you do need a prescription.

 

I think getting professional medical advice from a doctor is probably your best "next step". I'm guessing he will order a sleep study, which will tell you a good portion of what you need to know. Wish you the best dude.